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Go-to Guide: Tubing with Kids Around Atlanta

Traveling down the Chattahoochee by inner tube or raft is a great way to cool off. Do it yourself, or visit one of these companies for a relaxing day on the river.

Be sure to check the website or call for special instructions.

Cool River Tubing, Helen

This tubing company sits right in the German-inspired town of Helen, and also has a zip line, water slide and climbing areas. After snaking down the Chattahoochee River, explore the town and have a taste of German food.

Cost: Purchase tickets at the Headwaters or Chattahoochee Outposts and the Main Street Booth. $14-$18 per person; prices vary for other activities.

The Details: Open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The minimum age for tubing is 3.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Float down the Chattahoochee River at one of NOC’s three outposts: Roswell at Azalea Park, Powers Island or Johnson Ferry. Kayak, canoe, paddleboard and raft rentals and guided trips are also available; book tickets online.

Cost: From $35 per person.

The Details: See website for hours, and note that there are different check-in locations based on the time of year. Minimum tubing age is 8.

Chattahoochee River Tubing

Purchase tickets at the Abbots Bridge Road check-in area; a shuttle will take you to the put-in location for a four-hour ride down the Chattahoochee. Straps are available to tether your tubes together, or rent a 4-person raft.

Cost: $27-$29

The Details: Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Minimum tubing age is 5.

Helen Tubing andamp; Waterpark

This family attraction in Helen offers a 2.5-hour tube ride from two launch locations – Highway 75 N. or Brucken Street. While you’re there, enjoy the waterpark’s slides and activities (tickets cost $10-$25).

Cost: $14+ per person for a single-tube trip (prices vary on weekends and holidays).

The Details: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Minimum tubing age is 2.

DIY Shoot the Hooch

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is open for rafting and tubing from dawn to dusk during the summer; all you need is a life vest and raft or tube. Parking is $5 at any of the parking lot access points. Make sure to leave a second car where you decide to end on the river.

Check weather reports and call for dam water release information: This provides recommended calm water times for floating. Buford Dam: 1-855-326-3569. Make sure you are in a safe location when the river begins to rise.

Minimum age to float down the river varies if renting supplies from a company; if not, it is up to parental discretion.

Ages 12 and younger must wear a life vest at all times. Ages 13 and older must have one in the raft or tube.

Rubber-soled shoes are a must for tackling slippery rocks.

Where to Go:

Abbotts Bridge to Medlock Bridge, 4 miles; 3-4 hours.

Medlock Bridge to Jones Bridge, 3 miles; 1.5-2 hours.

Morgan Falls Dam to Johnson Ferry, 2 miles; 1-2 hours.

Johnson Ferry to Powers Island, 3.5 miles; 2-4 hours.

Powers Island to Paces Mill, 3 miles; 1-3 hours.

Visit nps.gov or call 678-538-1200 for more information.

Appalachian Outfitters

Meet at Appalachian Outfitters’ Dahlonega outpost for a tube ride on the Chestatee River. A shuttle will take you to the put-in site for the 30-45 minute ride. If you want to do the trip again, take a 10-minute walk back to the beginning (or pay a $3 shuttle fee for each additional ride). You can also rent canoe and kayaks for trips on the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers.

Cost: $9 per person; $3 for additional shuttle rides.

The Details: Open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The minimum age for tubing is 4.

Toccoa River Tubing